LETTERS FROM BIRCH. 447 



which I hope I shall never see. And, to be plain with your 

 grace, I am not a little comforted to observe, that, although 

 in common sense and experience, a man would have doubted, 

 that some things might have sorted to your prejudice; yet 

 in particulars we find nothing of it. For a man might rea 

 sonably have feared, that absence and discontinuance might 

 have lessened his majesty s favour: no such thing has fol 

 lowed. So likewise, that any, that might not wish you well, 

 should have been bolder with you. But all is continued in 

 good compass. Again, who might not have feared, that 

 your grace being there to manage, in great part, the most 

 important business of Europe, so far from the king, and 

 not strengthened with advice there, except that of the 

 prince himself, and thus to deal with so politic a state as 

 Spain, you should be able to go through as you do ? and 

 yet nothing, as we hear, but for your honour, and that you 

 do your part. Surely, my lord, though your virtues be 

 great, yet these things could not be, but that the blessing 

 of God, which is over the king and the prince, doth like 

 wise descend upon you as a faithful servant ; and you are 

 the more to be thankful to God for it. 



I humbly thank your grace, that you make me live in his 

 highness s remembrance, whom I shall ever bear a heart 

 to honour and serve. And I much joy to hear of the great 

 and fair reputation which at all hands are given him. 



For Mr. Matthew, I hope by this time he hath gathered 

 up his crumbs ; which importeth much, I assure your grace, 

 if his cure must be, either by finding better reason on that 

 side the line, or by discovering what is the motion, that 

 moveth the wheels, that, if reason do not, we must all pray 

 for his being in good point. But in truth, my Lord, I am 

 glad he is there ; for I know his virtues, and particularly 

 his devotion to your lordship. 



God return his highness, and your grace, unto us safe 

 and sound, and according to your hearts desires. 



To Mr. Tobie Matthew. 

 Good Mr. Matthew, 



I have received your letter of the 1 Oth of June,* and am 

 exceeding glad to hear you are in so good health. For 

 that which may concern myself, I neither doubt of your 

 judgment in choosing the fittest time, nor of your affection 

 in taking the first time you shall find fit. For the public 



* N. S. 



